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The discipline to mindfully be who we already know we are.The discipline to wisely go in the direction we already know is the right direction to go.The discipline to courageously do what we already know is the right thing to doThe discipline to keep being, going, and doing what we already know is right.

In general, discipline is a punishment, training, and/or a code of ethics.

Discipline: (1) punishment or penalty, (2) instruction, (3) a field of study, (4) training that corrects, molds, or perfects faculties or character, (5) control gained by enforcing and developing obedience or order, (6) orderly or prescribed conduct or patterns of behavior, (7) control, (8) a rule or system of rules governing conduct or activity

Discipline often gets a bad reputation. Somehow, we have only accepted the first definition of discipline as punishment. We often think of discipline as something bad, to be avoided. It is a parental model, and I do not buy that it hurts them more than us. Punishment may actual be the natural and logical consequences we receive for not having discipline. We will never be able to acquire and maintain a skill without discipline.

Developmentally, we are usually "other-disciplined" before we are "self-disciplined". Learning is usually outside-in or sequentially external before it is internalized integrated and incorporated into an identity frame of reference. This is the wisdom of choosing wisely who we will take instruction from. If we listen intently to the chatter from society, we may begin to accept unhealthy standards as normal and live according to them.

Discipline may then be considered realizing that we already know what we truly want, what we have to do to obtain and maintain what we want (the sequential action steps required), now we just have to get back to training towards it.

The discipline to mindfully be who we already know you are. Many times we are caught up in the learned ego identity we are taught and forget that we already know who we are. The search to find out who we are is usually found in the disciplined quiet of stopping being who we are not.

The discipline to wisely go in the direction we already know is the right direction to go. In a goal driven world we can get caught up in the momentum and inertia of the confusion, chaos, and conflicts of everyday life and miss the direction of our own (and our world's) evolution. In the end, we already know what is important. The discipline is to remind ourselves that we already know and to walk in that direction.

The discipline to courageously do what we already know is the right thing to do. Most of us live on automatic pilot and do whatever we have been programmed to do, without thought and without question. Question everything. Not out of disrespect, but out of an honest and genuine quest for the truth, for the right things. The discipline is that we already know, and have always known, the right things to do. Seldom are we faced with our own ignorance. If we are ignorant, and truly do not know, have the courage and humility to ask and be open for new information. Always look for those truths that awaken that resonance of your already knowing. The discipline is to do the right thing without much external support or encouragement. The road of discipline is, more often then not, lonely.

The discipline to keep being, going, and doing what we already know is right. Discipline is not a one moment or one day event. Discipline is an on-going everyday celebration of who you really are, where you are really going, and enjoying the journey to get there. Many find that the actual practice of discipline brings the direct and goal into the everyday life, no matter what activity one is engaged in.

Discipline is an attitude, an intent, an identity. Discipline is a way of life. Discipline is Budo. Discipline is Aikido.

Thanks for listening, for the opportunity to be of services, and for sharing the journey. Now get back to training. KWATZ!

Lynn Seiser (b. 1950 Pontiac, Michigan) Ph.D. has been a perpetual student of martial arts, CQC/H2H, FMA/JKD, and other fighting systems for over 37 year. He currently trains and hold the rank of Sandan (3rd degree Black Belt) in Tenshinkai Aikido under Sensei Dang Thong Phong at the Westminster Aikikai Dojo in Southern California. He is the co-author, with Phong Sensei, of Aikido Basics (2003), and the (2006) Advanced Aikido Concepts and Aikido Buki-waza for Tuttle Publishing. His martial art articles have appears in Black Belt Magazine, Aikido Today Magazine, and Martial Arts and Combat Sports Magazine. He is the founder of Aiki-Solutions and is an internationally respected psychotherapist in the clinical treatment of offenders and victims of violence, trauma, and abuse living in Marietta, GA.

Thanks...Lynn.
for me showing up on the mat on schedule is a really important part of my discipline....there are many distractions in this world...thanks for a reminder that it is good to follow my path.
Mir

Osu Mary,
You are most welcome.
Yes, the first step in the discipline is to show up. In fact in many ways, that's the majority of it: to show up and be mindful and present in everything we do.
It is a good path.
Rei, Domo.

Lynn Seiser PhD
Yondan Aikido & FMA/JKD
We do not rise to the level of our expectations, but fall to the level of our training. Train well. KWATZ!

Yes, the first step in the discipline is to show up. In fact in many ways, that's the majority of it: to show up and be mindful and present in everything we do.
It is a good path.
Rei, Domo.

Showing up for the first time can be difficult. Help someone to do it with a friend instead of alone. Great article, Dr. Seiser. (I know you'd rather I call you Lynn, but you can't hit me from that far away. )

"The only difference between Congress and drunken sailors is that drunken sailors spend their own money." -Tom Feeney, representative from Florida

I know its a definition but I dislike the concept of discipline as being punishment. I prefer to think of it as a redirection or correction to bring someone in line with an expectation or standard. But that's just me. I put discipline somewhat in the category of positive reinforcement. As Skinner intended it, it only occurs when a positive or desired change in behavior occurs. Punishment on the other hand does not always have to result in a change in behavior for the good.